Convertible sports equipment



Sept. 3, 1968 N. G. HARRY CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Aug. 14, 19

INVENTOR. .YZiChQZ-gs gflawy Sept. 3, 1968 N. G. HARRY 3,399,889

CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT Filed Aug. 14, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOK fl cholas Harry Sept. 3, 1968 N. G. HARRY 3,399,889

CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT Filed Aug. 14, 1964 Y 5 Sheets-Sheet :5

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4A z flicholds Harry CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT Filed Aug. 14, 1964 5Sheets-Sheet 4 2a 29 49 a ll [1 5 16 7/ z? f 4-7 4-8 mvswon NicholasHarry 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 W W/l N. G. HARRY CONVERT IBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT Sept. 3, 1968 Filed Aug. 14, 1964 INVENTOR. flz'c holds HarryUnited States Patent 3,399,889 CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT Nicholas G.Harry, Harrington St., East Brookfield, Mass. 01515 Filed Aug. 14, 1964,Ser. No. 389,600 1 Claim. (Cl. 2731.5)

This invention relates to convertible sports equipment and, moreparticularly, to apparatus arranged to produce a number of articlesuseful in sports and camping by a rearrangement of certain basicelements.

In family camping, there is always the problem of providing lightweight,functional equipment which will take up very little room. With theincreased interest in camping in recent years there has been anincreased need for articles useful in such a pursuit but (because of thelimitations of space in the automobile) it is diflicult for the camperto bring with him all of the things that he would like. Attempts havebeen made in the past to provide equipment which is convertible from onefunction to another, but most of these have been very expensive and havenot operated well in practice. These and other difficulties experiencedwith the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by thepresent invention.

It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provideconvertible sports equipment wherein a few basic elements are capable ofbeing converted into a large number of functional articles.

Another object of this invention is the provision of convertible sportsequipment which is rugged in construction, which is inexpensive tomanufacture and to produce, and which is capable of a long life ofuseful service with a minimum of maintenance.

A further object of the present invention is the provision ofconvertible sports equipment made up of a number of elements which packvery closely together, which occupy very little space, and which,nevertheless, can be converted into a number of functional articles.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide convertiblesports equipment which is capable of a considerable amount of abuse andwhich may be subjected to the action of rain and other weather withoutbeing damaged.

It is a further object of the invention to provide convertible sportsequipment which, on occasion, may be used as a basketball backstop, atable, a cot, a volleyball apparatus, a car top rack, a tent, and adressing enclosure.

With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of partsset forth in the specification and covered by the claim appended hereto.

The character of the invention, however, may be best understood byreference to certain of its structural forms as illustrated by theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of convertible sports equipmentembodying the principles of the present invention shown while used inone of its functional aspects;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of certain equipment useful in theapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective View of the various elements making up theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the equipment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view ofa portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 4A is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the apparatus shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the equipment shown in anotheraspect of its use;

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FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the equipment used for another function;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the equipment showing it in use as a cartop rack;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the equipment in use as a tent, and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the equipment in use as a dressingenclosure.

Referring first to FIG. 2, the convertible sports equipment, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 10, is separated into its variouselements. These elements consist of two tubular elongated elements 11and 12 which are provided with connecting members 13. Each of theseconnecting members consists .of a short length of metal rod having anoutside diameter approximately the same or a little smaller than theinside diameter of the main bodies of the tubular elongated elements 11and 12. These elements are provided adjacent the ends of the elongatedelements and extend at right angles to one another. Also forming aportion of the equipment are two elongated elements 14 and 15 ofintermediate length having apertures 16 and 17 in their center portions,respectively. Forming part of the equipment are elongated elements 18and 19 of the intermediate length, having screw eyes 21 and 22 mountedadjacent one end of each, respectively. Elongated elements 23 and 24 ofintermediate length are provided having in their central portionsapertures 25 and 26, respectively. Four elongated elements 27, 28, 29,and 31 of short length are provided, as is an elongated bar 32 ofintermediate length. Two elongated elements 33 and 34 of great lengthare provided and have screw eyes 35 and 36 fastened at one end. Twoconnecting members 37 and 38 are provided with brackets 39 and 41,respectively. Metallic cables 42 and 43 are provided with a clip at eachend.

Forming part of the apparatus is a foldable board 44 and a basketballbasket 45, both of which will be described more fully hereinafter. Theequipment is provided with sandbags 46 and with four suction cups 47,48, 49, and 51. Extending from the top of each suction cup is a verticaltube member with a connecting member of rod form extending at a rightangle therefrom. Finally, the equipment is provided with a rectangularpiece of fabric 52 on the edges of which are arranged a connectingmember such as hooks 53.

The basketball basket 45 consists of a ring 54 from which extends a net55. From the ring 54 extends a tongue 56 which is attached to twovertical bars 57 and 58, the end of each bar having a peg 59 extendingtherefrom. Four fastener clips 61 are provided to lock the pegs inplace, as will be described more fully hereinafter. The board 44consists of three sections 62, 63, and 64 which are hingedly fastenedtogether.

FIG. 1 shows the manner in which the elements may be fastened togetherto form a basketball backstop. The elongated elements 18 and 19 areplaced on the ground with sandbags 46 holding them in place. Connectingthese elongated elements is the elongated element 11 with its connectingmembers extending therefrom. Each of the connecting members is a solidpeg having the same external diameter as the internal diameter of thetubes 18 and 19 and, therefore, fits into them tightly. The other oneextends vertically, and over this peg is inserted the elongated elements33 and 34. The elongated elements 33 and 34 extend vertically in spacedparallel relationship and the cable 42 joins the upper end of the screweye 35 at the upper end of the elongated element 33 to the screw eye 21at the outer end of the elongated element 18. Similarly, the clip on oneend of the cable 43 is attached to the screw eye 36 of the elongatedelement 34, while the other clip on the other end is attached to thescrew eye 22 on the other end of the elongated element-19. Inserted inthe upper end of the elongated tubular member 33 is the connectingmember 37 with its bracket 39; in the upper end of the elongated element34 is inserted the connecting member 38 with its bracket 41. Then, thebar 32 is laid between the two brackets 39 and 41. Extending upwardlyfrom the connecting member 37 is an elongated element 15, whileextending upwardly from the connecting member 38 is the elongatedelement 14, while the elongated element 12 has its connecting membersinserted in their upper ends and connects them together. The foldableboard 44 is fastened to the elongated elements 12, 14, and 15 with itshinges facing rearwardly. The pegs 59 on the bars 57 and 58 of thebasketball basket 45 are inserted through corresponding holes extendingthrough the central panel 63 of the board 44. Fastener clips 61 extendover these pegs to lock them in place. The manner in which this isaccomplished is shown in FIG. 1A in which it can be seen that the peg 59extends through the bar 57 of the basketball basket and through theboard 44; each peg is provided with a groove at its outer end over whicha slotted portion of the fastener clip 61 passes to lock the basketballbasket in place. Furthermore, fasteners extend through the apertures 16and 17 on the vertically arranged elongated elements 14 and 15 to holdthe board in place, its weight resting on the bar 32 which, in turn,lies in the brackets 39 and 41. It can be seen, then, that what isprovided is a sturdy basketball backstop which may be quickly set up ina camp site and used by members of the family.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 4A show the manner in which the equipment may be used toform a table. The elongated members 18, 19, 23, and 24 are arrangedvertically to provide the legs for the table. Extending between theelongated elements 18 and 23 is the elongated element 11, while theelongated element 12 extends between the elongated elements 19 and 24which serve as the legs. The elongated elements 14 and 15 then extendbetween the ends of the elongated elements 11 and 12 to provide withthem a rectangular form. Then, the board 44 is laid in place on top ofthis rectangle with fasteners extending through the apertures 16 and 17in the elements 14 and 15, respectively. In this way, a sturdy table isformed.

FIG. 4 shows the manner in which the panels 62 and 63 are connectedtogether by a hinge 65 mounted on cleats 66 and 67, while the portions63 and 64 are joined by a simple hinge 68 without the cleats. Thispermits the portion 64 to be folded between the portions 62 and 63, thecleats 66 and 67 separating these two last-named portions suflicientlyto permit this, as is evident in FIG. 4A.

FIG. shows the manner in which the equipment can be re-arranged toprovide a sleeping cot or bed. The elongated elements 27, 28, 29, and 31of short length are arranged vertically as the legs of the cot.Extending between the elongated elements 27 and 28 is the elongatedelement 11 with its connecting members 13 inserted into the upper endsof these legs to hold them together. Similarly, the elongated element 12extends between the elongated elements 31 and 29 with its verticalconnectitng member or peg inserted into the hollow tube. Extendingbetween the ends of the elements 11 and 12 are the elongated elements 33and 34 of great length forming with the elements 11 and 12 a largeelongated rectangle. Finally, the fabric 52 is placed on this rectanglewith the hooks 53 engaging the elongated elements 11, 12, 33, and 34 tohold the fabric in place. In this way, the cot is complete.

FIG. 6 shows the way in which the elements can be arranged to provide avolleyball apparatus with a volleyball net 69. First of all, theelongated members 33 and 34 are arranged vertically and in spacedparallel relationship. Connected to the bot-tom of the elongated element33 and extending away from it are the elongated element 11 with one ofthe connecting members extending up- 'wardly "in' the tubular element 33and the other one extending along the ground and having impaled on itthe elongated element 18. Sandbags 46 are put in place on these elements11 and 18 to form a base for the element 33. In a similar manner, thebottom of the element 34 is supported by an elongated element 12 withits connecting members and an elongated element 19 with sandbags 46 inplace. The volleyball net 69 extends between the elements 33 and 34 toprovide a completed volleyball apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows how the elements may be used as a car rack, possibly tohold the other elements of the equipment on an automobile 71. Theelongated element 12 extends along the automobile and on one end hasinserted in it the connecting member of a suction cup 47, while at theother end the suction cup 48 is provided so that its connecting memberis inserted in the tubular end of the element 12. At the other end ofthe automobile 71 is arranged the elongated element 11 which hasinserted in its ends the connecting members of the suction cup 49 andthe suction cup 51. The elements 11 and 12 are, therefore, in spacedparallel relationship and are joined by the elongated elements 18 and 19whose ends are inserted on the connecting members of the elements 11 and12. When arranged in this way, the heretofore free connecting members ofthe elements 11 and 12 extend vertically and on these connecting membersare arranged the elongated elements 27, 28, 29, and 31 of short length.When arranged this way, these make up a complete car rack wherein thevertical pegs formed by the elements 27, 28, 29, and 31 can beused totie loads to the rack.

FIG. 8 shows the equipment used as a sunshade or tent fly. First of all,the elongated element 12 is arranged along the ground; impaled on itsconnecting members and extending along the ground are elongated elements18 and 19. This forms a base for the tent and the heretofore freeconnecting members of the element 12 extend vertically. On theseelements are impaled elongated elements 14 and 15 to the tops of whichare connected the connecting members 37 and 38 to the tops of which areconnected the elongated elements 23 and 24. Fastened to the top of thevertical member formed by the elements 14 and 23 is the elongatedelement 11 which extends horizontally above the element 18, which restson the ground. The other end of the element 11 has a connecting memberextending horizontally and on this is impaled the elongated element 33.Impaled on the connecting member at the same end of the element as isoccupied by the elongated element 23 is the other elongated element ofgreat length 34. The elements 33, 34, and 11 form a 'U-shapedconfiguration to which is attached the fabric 52. If desired, anotherfabric 52:: may also be used to provide a vertical drop.

FIG. 9 shows the manner in which the equipment may be used as a dressingenclosure. First of all, the elongated element 12 is laid along theground and to it are attached elements 23 and 24. Extending verticallyfrom the element 12 and attached by means of its connecting members arethe elongated elements 33 and 34 of great length joined at their upperends by the elongated element 11. Extending horizontally from the endsof the elements 11 are the elements 18 and 19 and hanging down from themis a plurality of fabrics 52 attached to the elements by means of theirhooks 53.

It will be understood from an examination of the above description thatthe equipment 10 consists of a relatively few numbers of parts which,because of their compact nature (being mostly metal tubing), are notsubjected to considerable abuse and to the action of weather withoutaffecting its ability to be used to any great extent. It is notnecessary to be careful in packing these elements together and, as amatter of fact, it is contemplated that most of the elements would bewrapped up in the fabric elements to be carried in the trunk of anautomobile.

It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form andconstruction of the invention without departing from the material spiritthereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to theexact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include allsuch as properly come Within the scope claimed.

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new anddesired to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Convertible sports equipment, comprising (a) two elongated elementsof great length mounted vertically in spaced, parallel relationship,

(b) a board member having hinge means for folding and adapted to bemounted in vertical position at the upper ends of the elements of greatlength,

(0) two elongated elements of intermediate length having connectingmembers extending from each end and connected to the lower end of theelements of great length to form a base,

((1) two elongated elements of intermediate length adapted to beconnected to the upper ends of the first-mentioned elongated elements tofunction as extensions thereof,

(e) an elongated element havingconnecting members extending from theends thereof adapted to be connected horizontally between the upper endsof the previously mentioned elongated elements,

(f) a basketball basket having a tongue member radially projecting froma basket ring and bracket means connected to said tongue, and v (g)mounting means releasably joining said basketball basket to said board,said means comprising peg means adapted for insertion throughcorresponding holes in said bracket means and said board and clip meansfor releasably engaging said peg means.

References Cited LOUIS G. MANC-ENE, Primary Examiner. S. NATIER,Assistant Examiner.

Nehl 4629 X

1. CONVERTIBLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT, COMPRISING (A) TWO ELONGATED ELEMENTSOF GREAT LENGTH MOUNTED VERTICALLY IN SPACED, PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP, (B)A BOARD MEMBER HAVING HINGE MEANS FOR FOLDING AND ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTEDIN VERTICAL POSITION AT THE UPPER ENDS OF THE ELEMENTS OF GREAT LENGTH,(C) TWO ELONGATED ELEMENTS OF INTERMEDIATE LENGTH HAVING CONNECTINGMEMBERS EXTENDING FROM EACH END AND CONNECTED TO THE LOWER END OF THEELEMENTS OF GREAT LENGTH TO FORM A BASE, (D) TWO ELONGATED ELEMENTS OFINTERMEDIATE LENGTH ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO THE UPPER ENDS OF THEFIRST-MENTIONED ELONGATED ELEMENTS TO FUNCTION AS EXTENSIONS THEREOF,(E) AN ELONGATED ELEMENT HAVING CONNECTING MEMBERS EXTENDING FROM THEENDS THEREOF ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED HORIZONTALLY BETWEEN THE UPPER ENDSOF THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED ELONGATED ELEMENTS, (F) A BASKETEBALL BASKETHAVING A TONGUE MEMBER RADIALLY PROJECTING FROM A BASKET RING ANDBRACKET MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID TONGUE, AND (G) MOUNTING MEANSRELEASABLY JOINING SAID BASKETBALL BASKET TO SAID BOARD, SAID MEANSCOMPRISING PEG MEANS ADAPTED FOR INSERTION THROUGH CORRESPONDING HOLEDIN SAID BRACKET MEANS AND SAID BOARD AND CLIP MEANS FOR RELEASABLYENGAGING SAID PEG MEANS.